Fire Door Safety Week: 5 essential checks you can do today
Fire Door Safety Week is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the critical role fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property. The initiative highlights how regular checks and proper maintenance are vital to ensure fire doors perform as intended. Everyone has a part to play - whether in hospitals, schools, offices, or homes - in recognising issues and reporting them so they can be fixed.
5 checks to carry out
1. Certification
Look for a certification label or plug, usually on the top edge of the door. This proves the door has been manufactured and tested to the correct fire-resistance standard. Without visible certification, the door cannot be relied upon in the event of a fire.
2. Apertures
Any glazing panels or air transfer grilles should be factory-fitted or installed with approved systems. Cutting into a fire door or making unapproved modifications will compromise its performance. Inspect apertures to make sure they are intact and undamaged.
3. Gaps and seals
Check the gaps around the fire door using a measuring tool. They should be consistently 3–4 mm around the top and sides. The intumescent and smoke seals must be present, continuous, and in good condition. Replace any that are missing or damaged.
4. Closers
Test the door closer by opening the door halfway and releasing it. The door should close smoothly and firmly onto the latch without slamming or sticking. If the closer doesn’t work correctly, it must be adjusted or replaced.
5. Operation
Open and close the fire door fully. It should move freely and close tightly into the frame without dragging on the floor or getting stuck. A fire door that does not close properly will not provide protection in an emergency.
Did you know?
A recent survey for Fire Door Safety Week 2024 found that:
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52% of respondents believe hospitals provide the highest level of fire safety, even though NHS data shows fire incidents are on the rise.
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22% said they wouldn’t report an issue with a fire door because they didn’t want to “cause a problem.”
These findings show that while many of us feel safe, fire safety can’t be taken for granted. Fire doors are crucial in slowing the spread of fire and smoke, but poor maintenance and lack of reporting can undermine their performance.
That’s why Fire Door Safety Week urges everyone to recognise and report fire door issues - no matter the building, and no matter how small the problem may seem.
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